Blythe Plenderleith
Blythe Plenderleith studied BA Hons Sculpture and Environmental Art at the Glasgow School of Art (2017-2021). After achieving a first in her BA, Blythe was awarded the Cass Art Scholarship to complete her MA in Sculpture at the Royal College of Art (2021-2023), where she also gained a distinction for her thesis examining notions of perfection and making-do. Most recently, Blythe became the prizewinner of The Alan Davidson Foundation Under 26 Award exhibiting at The 6th John Ruskin Art Prize 2024 and the recipient of the Fleming-Wyfold Art Foundation Award exhibiting at the RSA New Contemporaries 2023.
Blythe Plenderleith interrogates the theory behind provocation. Whilst using universal iconography Blythe questions if provocation really is the source to immediate response. Frequently observing small town traditions Blythe parallels her research along with a desire to redefine standards in an age of mass-production and cheap imitations. The symbiotic relationship between community spirit and its darker underbelly runs throughout her work showcasing a fascination with certain modes of behaviour whether preconceived, sentimental, or challenging a societal perception that is considered standard. Relishing the decorative arts of America as well as the traditions and techniques taken from her Scottish-American heritage, Blythe probes the terms craftsmanship, twee, needs-must and improvement, questioning small town living and paying tribute to its historical matrix; necessity is the mother of all invention.
Recent Interviews
The Cass Art Scholarship
Contact
blytheplenderleith@gmail.com
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